Behind any socio-economic or welfare movement, a vocal leader is required to rile up the masses and facilitate changes for the better. This sentiment rings true for every industry. Right now, it is perhaps imperative that there is a strong voice for crypto[1] in the U.S Congress.
In the eyes of many, this will ensure that policymaking is more constructive and fair to all parties involved.
Despite Bitcoin and co. reaching a state of practical recognition, regulations remain far from clear. Hence, it might be sooner rather than later that someone steps up from the industry.
Ryan Selkis: CEO today, Senator by 2024?
CEO of Messari Ryan Selkis is one of the most popular and well-respected figures in the digital asset industry. However, his “decision” to run for the Senate in 2024 did not surface out of an epiphany.
It stemmed from his disappointment after one of the speakers at Mainnet 2021 was served a subpoena by the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission. Selkis said,
“And for the record, we offered to comp a *ton* of passes for regulators and congressional staff that wanted to learn more about crypto. My comment about not buying a ticket was in jest. They don’t want to learn. They want to shut crypto down in the US. Full stop.”
Selkis’s annoyance is justified, with most of the Mainnet attendees supporting the thought of him joining the political fray.
Rising need of the hour?
Over the past few years, the lack of regulatory clarity has become a norm of sorts. This is a sign that policymakers continue to misunderstand the ethos of digital assets. Most of these regulators continue to address and evaluate blockchain and digital assets in the same bracket as traditional stocks and commodities. This, despite the former not catering
